To become an investment analyst, you’ll need to complete four steps: post-secondary education, relevant work experience, a job application, and a job interview. An investment analyst spends the majority of his day reviewing financial reports from businesses and tracking stock market performance over short and long periods of time. He uses this data to advise clients on when the best time is to buy or sell a particular company’s stock or shares.
Anyone who wants to work as an investment analyst needs to be meticulous, disciplined, and focused. This type of work provides the most satisfaction to people who have well-developed analytical minds, enjoy working with numbers, and prefer to work independently. Because the analyst is expected to review reports and data to make recommendations, there is little interaction with other people in this job.
To work as an investment analyst, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in accounting, math, business, or a related field is acceptable. The investment industry is becoming more regulated, which necessitates staff who are trained in accuracy, precision, and procedure.
Accounting, stock trading, investment officer, or treasurer are all examples of related work experience. You can gain valuable experience working with numbers and computers in any of these jobs. The majority of people who want to be investment analysts begin their careers with an internship at a financial firm. This formal program, which usually lasts one or two years, allows the firm to train the analyst in their own business processes and expectations. The pay is low during this time, but after you complete the program, you will be eligible for a higher salary range.
If you’re applying for a job as an investment analyst, double-check your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. During the application process, investment firms are increasingly requiring a credit and criminal background check. Keep this in mind when filling out your application. People with bad credit or a history of financial difficulties are not considered suitable candidates for this position.
Investment firms conduct at least two rounds of interviews during the hiring process. The first round is a preliminary interview with the human resources staff. They’ve prepared a standard set of questions and are looking for detailed, succinct answers. Consider your responses, remain calm, and concentrate on the skills you bring. The second interview, which usually takes place with the department head, is usually brief.